She’ll forget, just for a second, that she’s supposed to hate me.
And once she lets herself lean in once—she’ll do it again.
This is it.
I shut off the shower and step out, gripping the sink, my pulse still too fast.
I don’t know if this will work.But I need to try.
If I can get the old Anna back, even for one night?—
Maybe she’ll let me in.
And maybe—just maybe—she won’t want to shut me out again.
I smirk to myself, grabbing a towel and heading for my guitar.
Let’s see if she takes the bait.
CHAPTER15
Anna
I’m fine.
I am totally, completely,100% fine.
Sure, I spent the last twenty minutes laying on my bed, thinking about the envelope that completely ruined my night—and the man who gave it to me.No biggie.Right?
Somehow, Joel Price has wormed his way back into my head, and now I can’t shake him loose.My brain keeps replaying the past few moments.The way his fingers slid through my hair.The way my body reacted before my brain could catch up.The way Ilet it happenfor a fraction of a second too long.
What the hell iswrongwith me?
I knew letting him stay here was a bad idea.
My stomach twists.I throw an arm over my face and groan, willing the feeling away, but my chest is still tight and my heart rate is at a highly concerning level for someone who has been lying still.
But it’s fine.I’mfine.This isfine.
I exhale sharply, smoothing my palm over the top of my head before forcing myself upright.
Bathroom.
That’s what I need.A reset.I’ll splash some cold water on my face, brush my teeth, and erase this entire day from my brain.
I push off the bed, my limbs feeling heavier than they should as I step into the hall.My mind is still buzzing, stuck in an endless loop ofwhy did I react like that?andwhat the hell does it mean?Mixed with a bit ofwhy am I even thinking about any of this?
I reach for the bathroom doorknob, desperate for the distraction.
But my hand hesitates midair.
Water’s running.
Good god, how many showers does one guy need to take?
My jaw tightens.Okay.Not ideal, but whatever.I can wait.I’m an adult.I can do hard things.
He was on stage tonight.He probably worked up a sweat.Maybe he reallydoesneed another shower.